Reset control, check Freon as recommended. Try turning off the circuit breaker for 10 minutes. If that does not work, the indoor unit on the wall should also have a reset. Usually a lower panel opens and has a small push button that you use a paperclip or pen tip to push and hold for about 10 seconds.
You describe two different problems? The hand control will not lower the unit temp. as displayed and that the compressor sounds like it has a load. Try all the above and then... call a repair man.
Good luck. (Ac in winter? LOL)